Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic S2

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic S2, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the S2 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and S2 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL1 was released 20 months earlier than the S2 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick summary of how the E-PL1 scores vs the S2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Panasonic S2 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1 comes with outer measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Panasonic S2 has measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic S2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PL1 versus the S2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and S2 is 86 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes simply by reading through specs. The image below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and S2.

All in all, each of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic S2 will resolve greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.